Grades 3–12 (Kit)
Journey to Planet Zorcon! The year is 2094. Earth’s natural resources are nearly exhausted, and most of the planet’s water is polluted. Scientists have discovered a new world—Planet Zorcon—filled with abundant, pollution-free resources. Your students will join a resource recovery team sent to gather and evaluate materials that could help Earth.
Each team member takes on a role and works collaboratively to collect samples, manage limited supplies, and make critical decisions about how resources might be used back home. Through this immersive, hands-on activity, students explore sustainability and human impact while examining the difference between renewable resources that can be replenished over time and nonrenewable resources that exist in finite supply.
Kit Contents
- Plastic storage bin with lid
- Gallon-sized Ziploc bags
- Planet Zorcon Resources:
- Wheat seeds
- Cotton balls
- Corn
- Toothpicks
- Soybeans
- Pinto or brown beans
- Shell macaroni
- Spiral macaroni
- Elbow macaroni
- Paper clips
- Black beans
- Amber pebbles
- Sequins
- 1" roofing nails
- Silver balls
- White beans
- 2" pieces of spaghetti
- Duct tape
- 8' × 10' tarp
- Plastic spoons
- Plastic cups
- Zorcon Research Staff ID Badges
- Yarn
- Resource Inventory activity sheet master
Lesson Plans
Use this kit with the featured lesson Planet Zorcon on the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix. The lesson provides detailed instructions, background information, and discussion questions.
Extend the Learning
Have students compare the fictional planet to Earth’s resource challenges. Encourage them to brainstorm careers in conservation, resource management, and renewable energy, and present ideas for creating a sustainable future.